Africana Studies Presents Advance Screening of 'Black in America'

The University of New Mexico has been selected by CNN as an advance screening venue for their latest film, Almighty Debt – A Black in America, on Wednesday, Oct. 13 from 2 – 4 p.m. in Africana Studies, in Mesa Vista Hall 4th Floor at UNM. Africana Studies hosts the event in conjunction with Black Student Union, Anderson School of Management, UNM School of Law and Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church.

Almighty Debt: A Black in America Special (Airs Thursday, Oct. 21 on CNN), told through the 7,000 member First Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, New Jersey, explores how an institution central to African-American communities for generations is helping them survive the worst financial crisis since the Depression. Every leading indicator - unemployment, income, wealth, educational attainment, homeownership and foreclosures - demonstrates that the African-American financial foundation is crumbling. CNN anchor and special correspondent Soledad O'Brien introduces viewers to Rev. Dr. DeForest 'Buster' Soaries who believes 'debt is the new slavery' and follows him as he attempts to fight debt from his pulpit.

The church's community development corporation struggles to help desperate homeowners save their homes from foreclosure. The youth ministry assists students into college and with financial aid applications. But can this church ensure better futures as a younger generation starts down the path of financial debt? Will they succeed? Viewers see inside one church as the pastor and his members worship together, and struggle to meet new challenges and changes.

After the film, a panel discussion with local experts is set:
• Howard Kraye of the Anderson School of Management
• Nathalie Martin of the UNM School of Law and
• Pastor Dennis G. Dunn of Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church

This is the first film in the 2010 Film Series, "Scholarly Conversations on Contemporary Topics," offered by the Charlie Morrisey Research Hall.